SYMBOLS - REBIS - PLANETS - NUMEROLOGY This enigmatic symbol appeared in several mediaeval alchemical texts. The hermaphrodite figure is called the Rebis, because it is (in Latin) the 'thing' [Res] which appears 'twice' [Bis]. It is a combination of the two principles of Male and Female, of Animus and Anima and of Sun and Moon. This union of opposites produces the Philosophic Mercury (the stellated sigil for which appears above the head of the hermaphrodite. The figure is surrounded by the seven planets. The male element holds in his hand the compass, which makes and measures circles. The female element holds in her hand the Square, which makes and measures squares. These two instruments hint at the ancient problem of squaring the circle (or reconciling opposing symbols). The hermaphrodite stands on a dragon, which, in this image seems to symbolize fixity. In turn, the dragon rests upon (that is, weighs down with is own inertia) the winged disk, which symbolizes movement. Within the disk is the Square and the Triangle, carefully numbered with 4 and 3. The shaded cross within this orb is numbered 1 at the top [on the periphery, or end of the circle) and O [zero] at the centre. This makes the cross the equivalent of 10, the sacred number which, in the Roman numerological system was expressed by the cross [X]. It is on the graphic implications of this circle, triangle square, and cross that the whole theory of numerology is based. The secret symbolism in this near-hidden figure 10 is that, in arcane philosophy, the number represents the upright human [1] confronting the cosmos [O] - that is to say, an individual with his or her sense of integral identity. This is the completion of the work, in which the Rebis consists of two such individuals, in awkward conjunction, confronting the world. In their case, the zero is the egg-shape [the so-called Cosmic Egg) in which the entire image is contained.